Jasmine Sahu is well suited with this new American drama exclusive to Dave.
Lois Cameron explains why this series is much more than your average cosy period drama.
The last episode of this series sees Sherlock and Moriarty attempt to solve the final problem with devastating consequences.
With major cast changes afoot, Jacob Martin ponders whether Being Human can live up to its own scarily high standard.
“What now?” That was the brilliant final line in the thrilling conclusion to the superb first series of Luther, and now, a year on, the second series has launched, and we have finally been given the answer to that question. In light of this answer, I was hoping I would need to expand my ‘positive words’ vocabulary (already exhausted from that opening sentence). Alas, while it got off to a good start, it was not as astounding as I had hoped for…
It began with an impressive pre-credits sequence that set the tone nicely, with psychopath Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson) explaining how the jaw-dropping cliffhanger was sorted out. Yes, it would have been nice to have seen some of the fall-out from those dramatic events, but it did make this episode more accessible to new viewers, while also keeping loyal fans happy. So we learnt that DCI John Luther (Idris Elba) had returned to his job in the police force, the more than a little unhinged Alice had been locked up in a secure mental hospital, and there was a new serial killer on the loose in the form of Lee Ingleby. Just another day at the office then…
The factors that made Luther the best original series on the box last year were still evident, maintaining the grittiness, edginess and broodiness that sets it apart from crime dramas. Furthermore, the crime-of-the-week stories are by no means run of the mill; it’s not just your average ‘someone’s been murdered, let’s talk to their family and friends and work out what the extraordinarily contrived connection is between various “seemingly unrelated” things.’ Instead, Luther features a full-blown serial killer (complete with eerie mask), more of the kind that you would expect in a horror film than a BBC1 drama.
Having said all that, it didn’t feel quite as good as when we left it a year ago. The first series’ six-part run built up so much tension and nail-biting suspense that anything less was always going to be a bit disappointing. Unfortunately, ‘anything less’ was exactly what we got. The main problem was the uneven pacing; it started and finished like it was trying to keep up with Usain Bolt on 3 cans of Red Bull, but the middle felt more like a break for rain at Wimbledon, with the lack of any real events (and an unnecessary sub-plot) ensuring that it did nothing but sag.
The cast were on fine form, though, with Elba being suitably disturbed yet likeable in the eponymous role, and Nikki Amuka-Bird was a welcome addition as DS Gray (but if she doesn’t turn into a psycho as she has done in everything else she’s ever been in, then I would be rather surprised). But, once again, Ruth Wilson upstaged everyone, despite appearing in just 3 scenes, and her character’s continually developing friendship with Luther is the most interesting part of the show.
Originally, this series was intended to be broadcast as two 2-hour episodes, but the format was then changed to four 1-hour episodes. The ending, therefore, could have easily gone down the Deathly Hallows root of being badly chopped. Somewhat surprisingly then, it was the ending of the episode that really stood out, suggesting that Luther could soon climb back up to its previous high standard. Yes, the cliffhanger was a bit predictable, but it was still one of those moments that makes you go ‘oooh,’ and all I could think was “What now?”
Luther continues next Tuesday 9pm, BBC1
You must log in to submit a comment.
